The purpose of Bridging visas is to a allow you to stay in Australia lawfully if your visa ends before you are granted another substantive visa. There are five different Bridging Visas that could be grant to you, according to your circumstances:

Bridging Visa A

This visa allows you to stay in Australia until your application for a new substantive visa is decided. This visa does not let you return to Australia if you leave.

Bridging Visa B

This visa allows you to leave and return to Australia while your application for a new substantive visa is being processed.

Bridging Visa C

It allows you to stay in Australia while your application for a substantive visa is being processed. It can be granted if you lodge an application in Australia for a substantive visa but you do not already hold a substantive visa. This visa does not allow you to return to Australia if you leave.

Bridging Visa D

This visa is applicable to you if your substantive visa has ended. It lets you stay in Australia lawfully for a short time until you are able to make a substantive visa application, make arrangements to leave Australia or are granted a Bridging visa. It does not let you work or re-enter Australia if you leave.

Bridging Visa E

This visa is applicable if your substantive visa has ended. It lets you stay in Australia lawfully while you make arrangements to leave, finalise your immigration matter or are waiting for an immigration decision. It does not let you re-enter Australia if you leave.